I woke up this morning feeling crap. Not the kind of crap you feel when you’re ill. This was self inflicted and that makes my brain feel like crap too.
It’s now mid February and over 2 months since my last proper cycle. I think I have only cycled 150km this year so far. I have started to do some running but nothing substantial.
My problem is motivation, or is it? You see, I (we all) have so much to do. I have a full time job, 3 kids that are coming to an age that they are into everything and seem to have something on every day. I also have other jobs around that house, like I’m currently renovating my garage into a “man cave”. I’m also trying to set up an online business. And to top all of that off the weather has been atrocious so if I did have any extra time then I have the perfect excuse to stay indoors.
So as a result of having so much to do it leaves me not wanting to do anything. I don’t know where to start.
At least until now. The problem was that I was looking at everything all at once and becoming completely overwhelmed by it.
I remember when I was riding the Mile Failte 1200 I would get a feeling of panic when I thought of how much further I had to cycle. To combat this I had to break everything down into manageable chunks. Just get to the next town, etc.
I’m now starting the same approach with my everyday life.
I have just created a plan of action for each day for a week. While I’m doing those actions I only focus on them at that time. When times up I’ll move on to the next one.
Yes, I have just started but already I feel such a burden being lifted. I even have a 100km cycle planned for the weekend. Regardless of the weather.
I’ve spoken to my wife about what I’m doing just so we’re all on the same page and so none of my plans clash with hers or other family events.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed then this could be a good exercise for you too. Write down what you need to do this week, plan when you can do them and then get to work. And don’t forget to share your problems with people around you. Talking can really take a load off your mind. And if you’re not able to talk then get out on your bike. It can help you clear your mind too.